Seanad report: Mr Terry Leyden (FF) withdrew a claim that the Fine Gael leader in the House, Mr Brian Hayes, had lied.
Mr Hayes earlier had stated that the report by the Inspector of Prisons had shown how the Government was using the Freedom of Information Act to suppress information. Judge Kinlen was to be congratulated for calling for the demolition of Mountjoy and Portlaoise prisons and for exposing inefficiencies within the service, Mr Hayes said.
Responding to Mr Tim Dooley (FF), who asked who appointed him, Mr Hayes said that that party would soon be banning booing.
Turning to the charges to be levied for applications under the Freedom of Information Act, Mr Hayes said that those seeking information could face charges of up to €240.
Dr Martin Mansergh (FF): "In some cases."
Mr Hayes said the House had 21 sitting days to annul the charges that were to be made. The Government had promised there would be no massive hikes. But the reality was different.
Mr Leyden said Mr Hayes was misleading the House. Mr Hayes responded that this was rich coming from Mr Leyden. Mr Leyden: "The Senator is telling lies. It is a lie to say the public is paying for freedom of information."
Following a direction by Mr Ruairí Kiely, cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Mr Leyden said he was withdrawing the remark.
Calling for a debate on the Equality Status Act, Ms Geraldine Feeney (FF) said her attention had been thrown to a tragic case in Sligo. It concerned a 17-year-old boy who lost his sight as a result of an operation and had a guide dog. The youth, his parents, the trainer and the guide dog were turned away from a restaurant because the guide dog was not allowed in.Ms Feeney said she wanted to bring home to restaurant owners and others that they could not inflict pain.